How to Grow Amazing Bell Peppers for Your Family
Last week while I was on a family vacation, I had the task of cooking dinner for 18 people. One aspect to the meal was grilled sweet Italian sausage. To add that “something extra” to the sausage, I sautéed green bell peppers with onions in olive oil.
That part of the meal was the simplest part, and it was the part I got the most compliments on. Why? Because most people love bell peppers.
My favorite feature is that bell peppers are actually really easy to grow. You don’t need to be an expert. In fact, you can be a beginner gardener and grow bell peppers successfully. Today, we are sharing how to do just that.
When to Plant Bell Peppers
The best time to seed bell peppers indoors, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, is 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost date.
If you are looking to plant a transplant, Gardening Know How recommends planting them outside around Memorial Day. We plant in late May because peppers prefer warm weather and high temperatures in Michigan.
About Planting
If seeding indoors, make sure to keep the temperatures warm–at about 70 degrees. Plant the seeds at a ratio of about three seeds to one pot and weed out the weakest plant. About 10 days before you are going to transplant outside, make sure to harden off the plants.
Once the risk of frost is over, plant the transplant into the ground. Place the peppers about 18-24 inches apart. Your best bet is to plant when the soil is above 65 degrees.
Install a direct-to-root watering system to ensure that the plants receive the nutrients, water and oxygen they need to grow strong.
Caring for Bell Peppers
Peppers are very heat sensitive. Depending on where you live, you may have to water up to every day. Peppers should receive about 1 – 2 inches of water a week.
Harvesting Bell Peppers
Harvest your peppers once they’ve grown about 3-4 inches long. If you are growing green bell peppers, make sure to pick them when they are firm and green. If you are growing red, yellow or orange, the color will start out green and then turn their color. Once they are their color, you can pick them.
Your Turn
What is your favorite bell pepper recipe?
